Strike by Western Washington crane operators, others appears to be over

KOMO reported that the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 – which represents the striking crane operators, road pavers, mechanics and other workers – says a tentative contract has been reached.

A statement on the union’s web site said workers are being told to stop the pickets and return to job sites Friday morning.

Union members will now vote on the tentative agreement. No details were immediately available about the deal.

The strike, which began Aug. 21, has brought a halt to construction at apartment high-rises, road improvement projects, school upgrades and others around the Seattle metro area.

Boeing has begun a sweeping transformation of its quality system, including the use of "smart" tools and automation. It will also eliminate thousands of quality checks as no longer necessary. Boeing has told the union it will cut about 450 quality inspector positions this year and potentially a similar number next year.